Thursday, October 15, 2015

Belichick optimistic about Cannon filling in for Solder

Since being drafted 17th overall in the 2011 draft, Nate Solder has missed only one game for the New England Patriots, with much of that time spent protecting Tom Brady’s blindside.

With news that the 27-year-old was placed on IR Wednesday following a torn bicep, however, that job will now be relegated to Marcus Cannon, the team’s versatile backup.

It’s that versatility that has coach Bill Belichick confident the team’s fifth-round pick from that same 2011 draft can be successful and, most importantly, keep Brady upright for the remainder of the season.

"Marcus has always played well for us," Belichick said via the Boston Globe. "Two years ago when he was in for Vollmer, last year the opportunities that he had early in the year, particularly at tackle, and then this year he’s played in every game, played a number of snaps in all of our games, so he’s always done a good job for us when he’s been in there.